LATE IRRADIATION DAMAGE TO THE SKIN CAUSED BY SOFT-X-RAY RADIATION-THERAPY OF CUTANEOUS TUMORS

Background: Although radiotherapy of skin tumors has lost its former p reeminence, there is still need for this modality. The aim of this stu dy was, therefore, to determine the frequency of radiogenic ulcers and tumors following soft x-ray therapy of skin lesions. Study Design: A total of 612 radiation sites in 522 patients were retrospectively anal yzed by means of medical records. All patients received at least a tot al dose of more than 12 Gy and had a minimum follow-up time of 10 year s. The average radiation dose was about 80 Gy, ranging from 56 to 184 Gy. Determined was occurrence of radiogenic tumors after more than 10 years and of ulcers during the entire follow-up period. The frequency of radiogenic tumors and ulcers was related to the total dose applied and the patient's age at the time of irradiation. Results: In the 612 radiation fields used, 58 ulcers (9.4%), 12 basal cell carcinomas (2%) , and nine squamous cell carcinomas (1.5%) were observed. There was no relationship between the total dose of radiation and the frequency of tumors; in contrast, radiogenic ulcers increased with a higher total dose. Radiogenic ulcers occurred more often in patients who were of a younger age at the time of irradiation. Conclusions: The risk of devel oping radiogenic ulcers and tumors after soft x-ray therapy is not ver y high. Since most of the ulcers can be prevented by modern dose recom mendation (time dose fractionation factor), soft xray therapy can be c onsidered as a safe and effective means of therapy, especially in olde r patients.